One of Australia’s rarest Porsches – a 1989 911 Wide Body Speedster – will be going under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction on Monday, May 5.
One of an estimated 10 open Speedsters delivered in Australia out of a total production of 2,103 built on the wider Porsche 911 Turbo platform, the one-owner car is in showroom condition having covered just 12,000km since it was delivered new by Scuderia Veloce Motors in Sydney.
It came as standard with the final incarnation of Porsche’s ‘bullet-proof’ and powerful 3.2 litre flat six engine, mated to a five-speed manual Getrag G50 short-shift gearbox, with a limited slip differential and up-rated 911 Turbo brakes and suspension.
Finished in trademark 1980’s Guards Red with an unmarked beige leather interior and aerodynamic ‘speed bubble’ covering its emergency soft-top, the Speedster is a classic example of German exotica of the era.
If it sells on Shannons’ estimate of $75,000-$95,000 it will not only be substantially cheaper than a current new Porsche Boxster, but much rarer and considerably more collectable.
If one ‘Benz is beautiful, two ‘Benz are better
Shannons have two immaculate factory right hand drive sporting Mercedes-Benz models coming up for sale at their Sydney Autumn Classic Auction on Monday, May 5 – each coming from opposite ends of ‘Australia’.
Finished in stunning White Grey paintwork with a Concours-winning red leather interior, the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet was originally delivered new to its first owner in Sandy Bay, Hobart, where it would have been one of the most exotic cars on Tasmanian roads in its day.
It is also rare, being one of just 19, 220SE Cabriolets factory-built with right hand drive out of the model’s total production of 1,942 and is also one of the lowest mileage examples available, with its odometer currently showing 137,000 miles.
The car has regularly competed in Mercedes-Benz Club events and display days in NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland, winning many awards including Outright Winner, Best Interior, Most Desirable Car Award and President’s Choice.
With an equally immaculate, 1959 model 220S Cabriolet selling for $170,000 at the Brisbane Motor Show auction in February this year, Shannons are predicting this even more driveable fuel-injected example to sell in the guiding range of $130-$150,000.
Equally desirable for Mercedes-Benz convertible enthusiasts is a superb Silver Grey with Burgundy interior 1968 model ‘Pagoda-roof’ 280SL Coupe/Convertible.
As a piece of automotive chic, the Pagoda-roof Mercedes-Benz SL of the 1960s has few peers. Paul Bracq’s clean, crisp roadster design remains as stylish today as it did when launched in 1963, while his dished, removable hardtop gives the SL an individual air and impressive versatility – with the roof in place it transforms into an elegant coupe.
Originally delivered new in 1968 to a an Ansett Airlines pilot stationed in Port Moresby, New Guinea, the car moved to Brisbane the following year and later to Melbourne and then Sydney in the hands of two later owners.
Recently repainted and fully re-trimmed to a high standard, the SL is also in excellent condition mechanically according to Shannons, who expect it to sell in the $55-$70,000 range.
One owner RS2000 a ‘rally-ready’ classic
A one-owner 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 with just 65,630km on its odometer is expected to be in keen demand by both collectors and tarmac rally enthusiasts when it goes under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction on Monday (May 5).
A glance down the entry list of this year’s Targa Tasmania shows just how popular these classic small Fords are and when introduced in the late 1970s they were as attractive to enthusiasts as Subaru’s WRX and Mitsubishi’s Evo models are today.
Powered by a 2.0litre overhead camshaft four cylinder engine developing 70kW and weighing just 1,000kg, the RS2000 was a sporting performer in its day, with a top speed of 170km/h and acceleration to match.
The matching numbers car being auctioned was recently treated to a bare metal respray in Audi yellow, while inside it has been re-trimmed, but retains its original Scheel seats and AM radio.
A similar RS2000 sold for $28,000 at this year’s Shannons Sydney Summer sale, but a guiding range of $15-$18,000 is suggested for this example.
Monday’s auction will be held from 7.00pm at Unit B, 12 Frederick St, St.Leonards. All 26 vehicle and 17 memorabilia lots will be available for inspection over the weekend from 9.00am-5.00pm.
For further media information and images, contact:
Michael Browning (03) 9879 9111 / 0418 324 328
For further auction information, contact:
Ian or Damien on (02) 9438 9315 or Christophe on 0413 567 308.
To view all auction lots and results visit www.shannons.com.au
